Phillies Acquire Howie Kendrick

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 20: Howie Kendrick #47 of the Los Angeles Dodgers rounds the bases after he hits a double against the Chicago Cubs in game five of the National League Division Series at Dodger Stadium on October 20, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

While MLB free agency is full swing, the trade market has started to generate some noise. The Los Angeles Dodgers have agreed to trade second baseman Howie Kendrick to the Philadelphia Phillies.

Phillies Acquire Howie Kendrick

The Dodgers have to focus on re-signing some of their own free agents including third baseman Justin Turner and closer Kenley Jansen, so dealing Kendrick gives them some flexibility. By trading away Kendrick, the Dodgers are not only get his $10 million salary off the books, they are getting two infielders who can provide depth; they will receive first baseman Darin Ruf and second baseman Darnell Sweeney.

On the other hand, the Phillies receive Kendrick, and he’ll likely find a role rather quickly. He will likely start at second base, but he’s also capable of playing other positions. In addition to second base, Kendrick played first base and left field for the Dodgers; however, while his versatility is a huge asset for any club, Kendrick took a step back at the plate last season.

Robbie Stratakos writes about the NBA and MLB for Last Word On Sports; he is the New York Knicks and Washington Nationals team manager there. He also writes about the NBA and MLB at those sites. In addition to LWOS, Stratakos also covers the New York Knicks and New York sports at Elite Sports NY.